Seeking Help with a Research Paper - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^® exam comprises of different sections where the Listening section examines an individual's ability to understand academic English topics in terms of conversations and lectures. To ace the exam, it is essential to identify the main ideas and the dialogues spoken in the audio.  With the TOEFL Listening Practice Test on 'Seeking Help with a Research Paper', you can note down the areas of improvement by attempting to find the correct answer from the multiple-choice questions provided. 

By engaging with the conversation in practice tests, you will not only enhance your listening comprehension skills but also learn to identify key points, and understand how to extract relevant information from discussions. So, let's get you started with the test and improve your comprehension skills to be self-assured on the test day!

Listening Instructions

• You can listen to each conversation and lecture only once.
• You have approximately 8 minutes to listen to the conversation/lecture and respond to the questions.
• Each question generally carries one point unless otherwise specified in the instructions, which will explicitly state the assigned points for specific questions.
• After listening to the Conversation, respond to questions related to the topic based on explicit or implicit statements made by the speakers.
• Feel free to make notes as you listen. You can refer to your notes to aid in answering the questions. 
• We recommend practicing note-taking with a pen and paper, similar to what you'll do during the TOEFL Exam.

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main purpose of Oliver’s conversation with Professor Thompson?
   
   1. To discuss the grading criteria for the research paper 
   2. To seek guidance on narrowing down his thesis statement
   3. To ask for an extension on the research paper 
   4. To present his completed research paper 

1. According to Professor Thompson, what specific aspect of the Industrial Revolution should Oliver consider focusing on?
   
   1. Economic impacts   
   2. Technological advancements 
   3. Social changes affecting the working class 
   4. Environmental consequences 

1. What does Professor Thompson mean when he suggests that Oliver could examine "the struggles of the working class during that period"?
   
   1. Oliver should focus solely on the successes of the working class 
   2. Oliver should explore the challenges faced by the working class and the resulting social reforms 
   3. Oliver should write about the leisure activities of the working class 
   4. Oliver should compare the working class to other social classes 

1. What is Professor Thompson’s attitude towards the use of primary sources in Oliver’s paper?
   
   1. Dismissive, as he believes they are unnecessary 
   2. Supportive, as he thinks they will enhance the paper 
   3. Critical, as he feels they complicate the argument 
   4. Indifferent, as he does not mention them 

1. Where does Professor Thompson suggest Oliver look for primary sources?
   
   1. Online forums and social media
   2. The university library and its digital resources 
   3. Local history museums
   4. Personal collections of historians

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on Seeking Help with a Research Paper from a Professor

Before you review your answers, take a look at our Top 5 Strategies to Crack TOEFL iBT in First Attempt. These tips will guide you towards achieving your dream school admission!

Answers and Explanations of the Conversation on Seeking Help with a Research Paper from a Professor

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. The conversation centers around Oliver asking Professor Thompson for help with his research paper, specifically about narrowing down his thesis statement on the Industrial Revolution. The other options, such as discussing grading criteria, asking for an extension, or presenting a completed paper, are not mentioned in the dialogue.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: Professor Thompson encourages Oliver to focus on the social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, particularly how these changes impacted the working class. While economic impacts and technological advancements are mentioned, the conversation specifically highlights Oliver's interest in social changes, making option c the most relevant.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. When Professor Thompson suggests examining "the struggles of the working class during that period," he is guiding Oliver to investigate both the difficulties faced by the working class and the social reforms that arose from those challenges. The other options, such as focusing solely on successes, leisure activities, or comparisons with other social classes, do not align with the professor's advice.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Professor Thompson expresses a positive attitude towards the use of primary sources, stating that they will add depth to Oliver's analysis and make his paper more engaging. The other options, such as being dismissive, critical, or indifferent, do not reflect the supportive nature of his comments regarding primary sources.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is B. Professor Thompson recommends that Oliver start looking for primary sources at the university library, which has a fantastic collection of archives, as well as online resources. The other options, such as online forums, local history museums, or personal collections of historians, are not mentioned in the conversation, making option b the correct choice.

Good job in completing this TOEFL Listening practice test! Keep moving to the next practice test and keep up with the flow! Through consistent practice, you would be able to be familiarised with the exam format as these closely resemble the actual test.

Therefore, dive into the path towards success!

Additional Reads

• TOEFL Listening iBT: Refining Your Listening Comprehension
• Business Psychology Class Discussion- TOEFL iBT® Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Library Orientation - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Cafeterias and Food Courts - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers